Behind on vaccines, missing records, or new to Ontario? Here's a clear, practical guide to figuring out what your child has already had and making a safe plan to catch up.
Start here: this is more common than you think
Many families fall behind on vaccines, for all sorts of ordinary reasons — moves, illness, busy stretches, missed appointments, switching providers, or unclear records. Falling behind doesn't mean starting over, and it doesn't mean anything has gone wrong. The next step is simply to review what your child has already received and make a safe plan for anything that's outstanding.
Whatever your situation, the same first few steps apply. The goal is to build the clearest possible picture of what your child has already had.
Gather whatever records you have
Look for the immunization record (the "yellow card"), printouts from clinics, records from previous schools or daycares, or records from other provinces or countries. Even partial records help.
Contact previous providers if needed
If records are incomplete, previous family doctors, clinics, schools, or public health units (in Ontario or elsewhere) may have information on file.
Contact your local public health unit
They may already have records on file, and can help you understand what's there and what may be outstanding relative to Ontario's schedule.
Book with a healthcare provider for a catch-up review
A family doctor, nurse practitioner, or public health nurse can review the records, identify gaps, and recommend a safe catch-up plan tailored to your child.
You can also use the "What Vaccines May Be Due?" tool for a general sense of what's typically given by your child's age — though it's a starting point for conversation, not a personalized plan.
In almost all cases, no
One of the most common worries is that being late means starting a multi-dose series again from scratch. In general, this is not how it works. Doses your child has already received still count — catch-up usually means continuing from where you left off, not restarting.
The right plan depends on a few things that a healthcare provider or public health unit will consider: your child's age, which doses they've already had, the minimum intervals needed between doses, the specific vaccine or product, and any relevant medical history. Because these factors interact, the safest catch-up plans are made with a provider rather than from a generic chart.
One important exception: rotavirus
Rotavirus vaccine is different from most other childhood vaccines because it has strict age limits. The first dose must be started before 15 weeks of age, and the series must be completed by 8 months. If your baby missed a rotavirus dose, do not assume it can simply be caught up later — contact your healthcare provider or local public health unit promptly. See the rotavirus page for details.
Why we don't publish a personalized catch-up schedule here
Catch-up scheduling depends on details specific to each child, and getting the intervals right matters. Rather than risk an oversimplified chart that might not fit your child, we point you toward a provider or public health unit who can build a plan around your child's actual history. This is a deliberate safety choice.
"We're behind on one or more vaccines"
This is straightforward to address. Book a catch-up review with a healthcare provider or your public health unit, bringing whatever records you have. They'll identify which doses are outstanding and recommend timing for catching up — usually continuing the series rather than restarting it.
There's no need to feel rushed or anxious about it; the important thing is simply to get the plan started. If your child has missed school-required vaccines specifically, see School Requirements as well.
"I'm not sure what they've had / records are missing"
Start by gathering any records you can find and contacting your local public health unit, which may already have information on file. Previous providers, schools, or daycares may also have records.
If records genuinely can't be found, don't worry — a healthcare provider or public health unit can advise on how to proceed. In some cases, it may be safe to give certain vaccines again, or a blood test may help in specific situations. They'll guide you on the safest approach for your child.
"We're new to Ontario / vaccinated outside Canada"
Welcome. Vaccines your child received in another province or country still count — but the schedule, products, or combinations may differ from Ontario's, so a review helps identify whether anything additional is recommended.
Bring any records you have, translated into English or French if possible, to a healthcare provider or your local public health unit. They can review what your child has received, compare it against Ontario's schedule, recommend any catch-up doses, and report the records so they're on file for school purposes.
If documentation from your previous country isn't available, the provider or public health unit can advise on how to proceed safely.
Sources & further help
Please note: This is an independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Government of Ontario, the Ministry of Health, or any public health unit. The information here is for general education only and is not medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your or your child's immunizations.